Are you looking for an elegant appetizer that requires almost no work? Then you’re going to love these frozen bacon wrapped scallops in the air fryer. In just about 15 minutes, you’ll have a fan favorite that’s cooked perfectly and tastes delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I really love bacon wrapped scallops to begin with, but this recipe makes it so simple! You can either buy already frozen bacon-wrapped scallops, or just wrap some when you have spare time and store them in the freezer for the busy holiday season.
When you want to cook them up, there’s no need to defrost. Just throw them in your air fryer! You’ll get perfectly crisp smoky bacon and succulent tender scallops, and you only need to flip them occasionally. I mean, how easy is that?
If that wasn’t enough, bacon wrapped scallops are naturally Keto friendly (just watch the seasonings and sauces) so they’re flexible for dietary needs!
Katie’s tip
For an easy entrée option that also cooks from frozen, check out my recipe for Air Fryer Frozen Scallops in a garlic butter sauce!
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Ingredients List
- 1 lb frozen bacon wrapped scallops, any brand (about 16 large scallops)
- Seasoning (optional)
- Dipping sauce (optional)
Ingredient Tips & Recommendations
- Wrapped scallops. Aldi, Costco, and Omaha Steaks have the best frozen bacon wrapped scallops. If you want to prepare your own instead of buying pre-made, wrap ½ slice of bacon around large sea scallops and secure with a toothpick. Freeze for up to 3 months
- Seasoning. This is optional, but you can sprinkle ½ tsp (or more to taste) of seasoning over the scallops before cooking if desired to add flavor. I like barbecue, Cajun seasoning, Old Bay, garlic powder, black pepper, or paprika
- Dipping sauce. These scallops are great on their own, but you can serve with a dipping sauce if you like. I recommend garlic butter, Yum Yum sauce, hot honey, maple syrup, or remoulade
How to Make Frozen Bacon Wrapped Scallops in the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F
- Season your scallops if desired with ½ tsp seasoning (optional)
- Place frozen bacon wrapped scallops in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer, allowing air space between each one (cook in batches if needed so as to not overcrowd them)
- Cook on air fry setting for 10-15 minutes at 400°F, pausing to flip every 5 minutes
- They are done when the bacon is browned, crispy, and a minimum of 145°F, while the internal temperature of the scallop should reach at least 130°F
- Add additional time in 1-2 minute increments if needed and check frequently to prevent overcooking
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, a squeeze of lemon, or on their own!
What to Serve With Bacon Wrapped Scallops
Pair bacon wrapped scallops with Frozen Hush Puppies, Parmesan Polenta Cakes, Frozen Mac and Cheese Bites, Homemade Spinach Balls, Crispy Frozen Onion Rings, or some Air Fryer Frozen Potato Skins.
Recipe FAQs
Can You Cook Frozen Bacon Wrapped Scallops in an Air Fryer?
Yes, you can cook frozen bacon wrapped scallops in an air fryer.
They do not need to be defrosted ahead of time and may be cooked directly from frozen.
How Long Do You Cook Frozen Bacon Wrapped Scallops in the Air Fryer?
You should cook frozen bacon wrapped scallops in the air fryer for approximately 10-15 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes.
The time may vary slightly depending on the size of your scallops and your particular air fryer, but this is a good estimate.
Do You Need to Preheat the Air Fryer Before Cooking Frozen Bacon Wrapped Scallops?
It is not absolutely necessary to preheat your air fryer.
However, preheating the air fryer before adding the frozen bacon-wrapped scallops ensures even cooking and helps achieve a crispy bacon exterior.
Pro Tips For the Best Bacon Wrapped Scallops
- There’s no need to add additional oil; the bacon has enough natural fat
- Toothpicks are safe for your air fryer; no need to remove them until after cooking
- If your frozen scallops are stuck together, use your fingers to carefully pry them apart. Do not use the toothpicks for this, as they may snap
- A serving is typically 2-3 scallops depending on size, so you’ll get around 6-8 from a pound. Cooking time doesn’t change based on quantity (as long as your air fryer has room), so adjust to your needs
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store any leftover bacon-wrapped scallops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. I do not recommend refreezing after they’ve been cooked from frozen once, as they’ll start to dry out
- To reheat scallops in the air fryer, reduce the temperature to 350°F and heat for 2-3 minutes, until warmed through. Time can vary slightly between air fryers and size of scallops, so adjust in small increments if additional time is needed
More Air Fryer Recipes for Bacon Lovers
- Bacon Wrapped Salmon in the Air Fryer
Final Thoughts
Making frozen bacon wrapped scallops in the air fryer is such a simple way to get an elegant appetizer dish on the table in very little time. It takes some more hassle out of the holidays, and always makes my Feast of the Seven Fishes!
In fact, these bacon scallops also make for a perfect fast weeknight dish, and you can use them to top a green salad, as a side, or as part of your surf and turf. After all, what’s not to love about crisp golden bacon around a juicy, tender scallop?
Katie’s tip
If you love scallops, make sure to check out our Air Fryer Parmesan Breaded Scallops or some of my other Best Air Fryer Scallops Recipes for an entrée option!
Frozen Bacon Wrapped Scallops in Air Fryer
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound Frozen bacon wrapped scallops, any brand (approximately 16 large scallops)
- 1/2 tsp Seasoning (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F
- Season your scallops if desired with your favorite seasoning (optional)1 pound Frozen bacon wrapped scallops, any brand, 1/2 tsp Seasoning
- Place frozen bacon wrapped scallops in the preheated air fryer basket, allowing air space between each one
- Cook on air fry setting for 10-15 minutes at 400°F, pausing to flip every 5 minutes
- They are done when the bacon is browned, crispy, and a minimum of 145°F, while the scallop inside should reach at least 130°F
- Add additional time in 1-2 minute increments if needed and check frequently to prevent overcooking
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, a squeeze of lemon, or on their own!
Notes
- Seasoning is optional (they’re delicious without any as well). I recommend barbecue, Old Bay, Cajun, or paprika, but use what you like!
- Dipping sauce suggestions: garlic butter, Yum Yum sauce, hot honey, maple syrup, or remoulade (but it’s not needed, totally optional)
- If you want to prepare your own frozen bacon wrapped scallops instead of buying pre-made, wrap ½ slice of bacon around a sea scallop and secure with a toothpick. Freeze for up to 3 months
- As long as there is space in your air fryer, cooking time doesn’t change for more or less scallops, so you can adjust based on needs
- Toothpicks are safe for air fryer use. Do not remove until ready to consume
- There is no need to add any oil for cooking (bacon has enough of its own)
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand, quantity consumed, and any seasoning or sauces used, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
